New EV6 Launch Looms
Interior Caught on Camera
Interior Quality is Up to This Standard
The EV6, an electric crossover SUV released by Kia, is on a successful trajectory, with pre-orders reaching 162% of the target sales volume of 13,000 units on the first day of launch. Last year, it recorded sales of 17,227 units, slightly outperforming the Ioniq 5 and proving its consistent popularity.
The EV6 is gearing up to launch its facelift model in the third quarter of this year. The test car has been spotted several times since last year, signaling major exterior changes, and now, glimpses of the interior have heightened consumer expectations.
Dashboard Camouflaged, Some Seats and Door Trim Visible
Healer TV, a YouTube channel specializing in automotive spy shots, revealed the interior of the Kia EV6 prototype. With the dashboard and steering wheel covered in camouflage, the configuration is primarily visible in the door trim and seats. However, the new EV6 is expected to have little change in the interior, as most of the changes are focused on the exterior.
Indeed, the revealed door trim and the interior of the first and second rows show little change from the existing EV6. However, the application of the new steering wheel seen in the K4 recently launched by Kia in North America seems likely. The new steering wheel features a design where the Kia logo is not in the center but skewed to the right.
Expected to Borrow EV9 Configuration
Changes Focused on Exterior
The steering wheel has a D-cut shape on both the top and bottom, and the two-tone color creates a three-dimensional design. The center fascia is expected to resemble the mid-size electric SUV EV9, which Kia launched. A separate 5-inch display for air conditioning control and physical buttons on the center fascia is expected to enhance consumer convenience.
With little change in the interior, various changes are expected on the exterior. The changes visible through the test car’s camouflage are pretty unusual. The most noticeable part is the daytime running lights. The existing two-line form is replaced with Kia’s Star Map Signature Lighting. It doesn’t stop at a vertical stretch but bends several times to form a triangle.
Vertical Emphasis on Headlights
Increased Driving Range Expected
The triangular shape creates some consistency with the existing EV6 daytime running light design, but many consumers are disappointed. It’s because, unlike the sleek feel of the existing EV6, the new design emphasizes a sharp, blunt feel. Between the daytime running lights, a vertical headlamp is applied.
The rear is expected to continue the existing model’s horizontal tail lamp design principle. Although the detailed design is not disclosed due to the thick camouflage, the focus will likely be on detailed changes, such as tail lamp graphics. The new EV6 is expected to have the exact specifications as the Ioniq 5, which increased its battery capacity. The new Ioniq 5 provides a driving range of 485km with a battery capacity increased from 77.4kWh to 84kWh. The driving performance, including output, is expected to remain the same.
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